This Way to Balance

Following My Own Advice

So, here I am. It's Wednesday afternoon, during my break in an 11 hour work day of personal training clients and two yoga classes. Normally at this time, I would eat, check Facebook and do administrative tasks associated with my position as Wellness Director. Well, earlier this week, I scheduled in a speed workout on the treadmill, and I'm writing to inform you all that I just finished. Had I not typed that into my iPhone calendar I'm not so sure it would have been completed. And here I sit, stretching on the floor, adding this post from my phone (maybe this post should be a pitch for Apple products!), feeling sweaty and drained, but empowered! If I can do it, so can you!

Motivation

Have you ever needed to find a way to motivate yourself?  Do you like the idea of going to the gym, but continuously find excuses to stay home?  What about that treadmill or stationary bike that’s serving as a clothing rack? 

I’ve had this little 8x8 yoga room in my basement for over three years and I’ve probably actually done yoga in this room maybe 20 times.  I’m not quite sure why I’ve had such a hard time motivating myself to spend time on my mat in that space, but it’s a definite block.

I really want to overcome this.  When I tell people I have a yoga room in my basement, it evokes images (in my ownhead, mind you) of blissfully long stretches of uninterrupted yoga, breath work and relaxation.  I am determined to make this space work for me and realize it’s not going to happen without  taking action.

Letting you, dear blog readers, know of my plan instantly holds me accountable.  The next time you see me in class or jumping over pumpkins (hahaha . . . blog joke), you may ask how my time in the ol’ yoga room is coming along.  Knowing these questions could arise at any time, fuels me to actually spend time in there.

Now, how much time?  How often?  To start, I will be committing to 30 minute sessions, twice a week.  There was a time I thought I needed a full 90 minutes to “do yoga”.  That is certainly not the case, and I know I can get much accomplished in 30 minutes.  Besides, my current goal is to actually use and learn to enjoy my actual space. 

I will keep you all informed of my process!  Here are some tips for you when it comes to finding motivation to exercise:

1.    Set a goal;

2.    Tell your plan to friends, co-workers, family members . . . everyone!

3.    Put your workout on your calendar, and honor that date and time. 

4.    Start slow.  Taking on too much too soon can backfire.  Start with smaller increments of time or fewer set days of exercise for a week or two.  Once you conquer those hurdles, you’ll be ready for more time, an extra day, or a new class. 

5.    Be proud of yourself!  Taking your fitness in your own hands is a great accomplishment and you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of health. 

 

What motivates you?  Comment on this post or e-mail me privately and share!  I can’t wait to hear from you!

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